With the launch of its commercial/test kitchen November 28, The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation Hospitality Institute (EOCFHI) at NorQuest College is feeling reborn.

Established in 2014 in traditional classroom settings only, the EOCFHI is now one of the largest hands-on learning facilitators of its kind in the province.

Today, it features industry-grade on-campus facilities. Located in the heart of downtown and next to the city’s most rapidly expanding hospitality and entertainment district, this state-of-the-art lab is perfectly situated to provide students and industry with a direct portal into an area that has been described as Edmonton’s next big economic driver. The EOCFHI also offers remote learning opportunities throughout Alberta, including First Nations communities that are desperately in need of workforce relevant training.

“This program truly changed so many aspects of my life. I have opportunities now that I did not believe I could have before because I did not have the confidence to pursue them. If you have the opportunity to take this program, do it and don’t look back.”

Willard Lefthand, former Foundations of Cooking student, now a full time employee at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino.

A new use of the institute includes being the test facility for major food processing brands.

“This (kitchen) is a great non-partisan location for research and food developers to showcase their products. This is very beneficial for Edmonton.”

“Personally I have never felt so connected to the Edmonton Community. I am proud to be associated with so many great agencies that were also out there trying to make a difference. It is great to work alongside these agencies and connect the missing pieces between skill building, guidance, and employment.”

– Greg Allen, EOCFHI workplace facilitator and instructor

NorQuest College is committed to providing education that matters with programming that fits the needs of learners at any stage of their education.

“Together, we are transforming lives by providing people, many of whom are under-represented in the workforce, with the skills needed to get a job … jobs that help strengthen Alberta’s economy!”